The reconceptualization of the well-being of individuals and families in home economics education: Historical and critical research into the ongoing growth of home economics education in Thailand

The study employed historical and critical perspective to examine home economics education in Thailand. The researcher focuses on the concept of well-being to gain understanding on the movement of thought and practices in the home economics profession. The purpose of this study is to help Thai home economists build professional community regarding the common goal of their profession. The ultimate goal, however, is not to create a new definition of well-being, but to examine the factors that influenced action and thought of Thai home economists.;Drawing information from Warasarn Kahasetasart (Journal of Home Economics) and information from home economics leaders in Thailand revealed that home economics rooted from educating women and highly related to homemaker skill which came from the royal court. The new concept of home economics which bases on natural and social sciences was introduced in 1955. The professional organization and journals were established at the same period. These events have widened the mission of home economics by emphasizing on family and individual well-being. The home economics profession has gained recognitions as a field of study that promoting the quality life which will, eventually, contribute to the nation development.;The problems in home economics were identified as (1) confusion of tradition and new concept of home economics. This confusion creates lack of agreement of common goal of home economics. As a result, home economics is emphasizing on preparing human resources for business and service industries. (2) lack of theory to support practice within the field. Most of knowledge adopted as a package from the western scholar, Thai home economists lack of creativities of knowledge regarding Thai culture and life style. (3) Subject matters stemmed from traditional knowledge to be a lady in royal court which is not main culture of Thai family. Most Thai are in rural area and engage in agriculture. Home economics pays little attention to rural family issues, especially in women issues.;This study recommends that (1) Thai Home Economics Association (THEA), a center for Thai home economists, develops long term program to have home economist gain a share meaning on the key concepts and goals of the profession. (2) Home economics program in every level helps students to develop reflective thinking skills to overcome the confusion of irrational traditional values and contemporary value system. (3) THEA develops a program to promote home economics to be a center of information for family problems. Home economist as a change agent can help family to cope with problem that stemmed from contemporary family life style.